Hundreds of people came to see the work from different departments of the university and learn about its history – while academics who have benefited from its support sang its praises.

And those gathered were keen to stress that the university has a history of welcoming new ideas – and is not living in the shadow of its more famous city neighbour.

Jack Standing Blackmore and Amy Enticknapp dress in Victorian clothes

Hannah Marsh has been curating an archive of the university’s past.

Speaking at the event, she said: “This is a chance to come back to the Ashmolean. It’s a really important place for Brookes. It’s where it all started, as an art lesson in a single room next door in the Taylorian Institute.

“It’s a really nice opportunity to match up to where we are now.”

She added: “The university’s roots are very local, and tonight is about celebrating that Oxford connection which is so strong in the city.”

Dr James Broughton is part of a team behind bamboo bicycles at the event. The team is using alternative materials to plastic and metal in bike construction.

Corrina Connor plays her cello

On Friday evening, onlookers saw the bikes in action as the team cycled 150km on stationary bikes to mark the 150 years of Oxford Brookes University.

He said: “Tonight is just demonstrating that we’re looking at alternative ways of making structures.”

Dr Broughton, head of the joining technology research centre and a reader in mechanical engineering, credits his work to the university.